One of Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, Al Asfar Lake, is located within Al Ahsa National Park. Popularly known as Yellow Lake, it’s a stunning shallow wetland in the middle of the desert. It is also home to many migrating birds and indeginous plant species. It’s the most extensive water body in the Arabian Gulf due to which it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visits to Al Asfar lakes have increased considerably in the past few years Since the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) listed it as one of the unique tourist experiences during the Winter Season in Saudi Arabia.
Best time to visit Al Asfar Lake
The ideal season to visit Yellow Lake is in the winter, from November to February. During the Winter Season, the weather remains pleasant with the inflow of cool breezes. The moderate weather during winters facilitates visitors to explore the region at its best.
How to reach Al Asfar Lake
The Yellow Lake is located near Al-Ahsa, 13 kilometers east of Omran. The only way to get to the lake is with the help of safari organizers or reliable tour guides. Further, to tackle desert-like terrain, the best vehicle to travel to Yellow Lake is a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Al Asfar Lake history
UNESCO has designated Al-Ahsa as a World Heritage Site. Al-Hassa is the world’s biggest oasis, covering over 20,000 hectares, and one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and oldest agricultural centers. Al Asfar Lake is among the 12 UNESCO sites located in Al Ahsa. It is one of the most essential shallow wetland lakes in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. In 1971, an irrigation system was installed, delivering 328,000,000 cubic meters of spring water to around 22,000 farms, with treated effluent from the Al-Hofuf sewage station providing extra water. A drainage network collects the excess water and discharges it into two evaporation lakes known as Al-Asfar and Al-Uyoun. Wetlands, sabkhas, dunes, and vast stretches of open water encompass the lake. The Afsar Lake is declared a natural reserve, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Al Asfar Lake landscape
The lake is a charming site with unspoiled nature to escape from the chaos of cities. Yellow lake derives its water from Al Ahsa’s irrigation springs, which serve over 22,000 fields. The lake is surrounded by flowing water, lush greenery, and dunes-making it a magnificent tourist destination. One of the fascinating facts about Yellow lake is that the lake’s hue changes from dark in the summer to bright in the winter. Migratory birds flock to Yellow Lake twice a year from cooler climatic regions like Russia, Canada, India, and Iran. Heavy metals, primarily from agricultural runoff, have polluted the lake water, and the levels keep fluctuating periodically.
Al Asfar Lake flora And fauna
1. Flora
The Yellow Lake has various zones, including Wet, Moist, Semi-dry, and Dry Zones. Thus, diverse plant species are found in different zones. Around Afsar Lake, there are at least 39 plant species belonging to 20 other groups. Water levels fluctuate, resulting in various situations benefiting vegetation and maintaining plant varieties.
2. Fauna
Migratory birds, such as squacco herons and tiny grebes, migrate to the lake in winter. Many creatures, such as turtles and frogs, can also be found in Yellow Lake. The lake is also home to several algal and waterweed species.
Things to do at Al Asfar Lake for tourists
1. Day camping
Surrounded by rich foliage and undulating golden dunes, Yellow Lake is a beautiful camping place in Al Ahsa, eastern province. Tourists can take in the breathtaking view of Yellow Lake against the backdrop of the desert environment. During a campfire session in the evening, campers can enjoy delectable barbeque dishes and a live music session with family/friends.
Timings: 2:30 PM – 6:40 PM, everyday
2. Desert ride
On a Desert Safari to Al-Asfar Lake in a 4X4 SUV, visitors will have an unforgettable experience of driving through the dunes and stopping by the beautiful lake. The excitement of straying off the beaten path and driving across soft, gleaming golden sand is genuinely liberating. The activity needs a balance and speed for driving and maneuvering a vehicle up and down the dunes. Visitors should book a trip with an experienced local tour provider who knows the terrain better to avoid any mishaps.
Timings: 2:30 PM – 6:40 PM, everyday
3. Private boat ride
Private Boat Tours are available for tourists who want to take in the full splendor of the Yellow Lake. During the winter, one can go on a private boat excursion on Al-Ahsa Lake to watch 39 plant species and migrating birds in their native environment.
From offering campsites to photography opportunities, Yellow Lake is a fantastic destination. During the winter in Saudi Arabia, tourists visit the lake to see some unforgettable vistas and create lasting memories.
Suggested Read: Al Ahsa Tourism: Top Attractions, Best Stays, And How To Reach
Al Asfar Lake FAQs
Which are the things to do at Asfar Lake?
Camping and boat tours are the things to do at the lake.
Is Al Asfar Lake a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to travel to Al Asfar Lake?
The lake can be reached in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Which is the best time to visit Al Asfar Lake?
The best time to visit Al Asfar Lake is between November and February.
What is the other name of Al Asfar Lake?
The lake is also known as the Yellow lake.
